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Plan to remove ‘forever chemicals’ from waste water

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A new way has been found to limit people’s risk of disease through treating chemicals in oceans, according to scientists.

Source: Marine Conservation Society

New research at Oxford Brookes University has found a method of sustainable treatment that could help purify waste water polluted with “forever chemicals” (PFAS).

PFAS were invented in the 1930s as an effective way to make waterproof products such as raincoats and non-stick pans.

However, recent research has shown PFAS can lead to major health problems like liver and thyroid damage as well as cancer. The chemicals have also been found in global water supplies, affecting the health of wildlife and humans alike.

The research could make a massive difference to countries suffering with a lack of clean water, with the new filter not needing electricity to operate.

Professor Tzanakis said: “Our aim is to go to 200 litres, so we start from 1, to 20, to 100 then to 200. Because if you can learn to treat 200, potentially you could treat any volume.”

The research team has filtered one litre so far, but they are clear that the development for bigger filters is ongoing, and that this is only the beginning.

Source: Iakovos Tzanakis

The technology works by creating bubbles, which reduce the pressure of the fluid by passing it through a restrictive area within the reactor.

“Forever chemicals” have been a recent issue here in Hampshire, with Langstone Harbour in Portsmouth suffering from a sewage spill which led to an 800% rise in the chemicals.

The spill could affect the lifespans and fertility of all the wildlife at the harbour including seals, fish and seagulls.

The MSC (Marine Conservation Society) in Portsmouth recently called for a ban on the chemicals, as a way to stop the infiltration into water supplies from getting any worse.

Francesca Ginley of the MSC said: “The ban would only be for non-essential uses, this means that life saving equipment like PPE and medical devices would not be part of the ban.”

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